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HOUSTON – (CBS HOUSTON) – Houston Rockets center Omer Asik was back at practice on Monday after not practicing or playing in Saturday’s win against Denver. It was reported early last week that Asik, through his agent had asked the Rockets for a trade. He is expected to be back in uniform for the Rockets on Tuesday against the Celtics.

While Asik did not speak to reporters, Kevin McHale and the Rockets players seemed pleased to have Asik back with the team.

“He seemed great, had a good practice, he was his old self,” forward Chandler Parsons said.

Parsons went on to say that a team featuring Ask and Howard should be dangerous if they can get it to work.

“Having two of the top-five centers is unbelievable, if we can get them working together, one of them is bound to get into foul trouble, it’s a long season. Anything can happen.”

The disgruntled center has seen his minutes evaporate since the offseason acquisition of Dwight Howard. Asik averaged a double-double last season for Houston as the starting center. After a failed attempt at playing Asik alongside Howard in the starting line-up, and a four-minute reserve appearance in Philadelphia on Nov. 13, Asik seemed destined to be dealt. For now he is back with the team and ready to work.

“There’s gonna be some adversity but we have to stick together,” Howard said. “We can’t let small things affect our chemistry as a team.”

Howard mentioned that Asik had apologized to his teammates and that he was ready to move forward.

“We have to move on and can’t make it an issue,” Howard added. “It’s a tough situation and we all have to be understanding and empathize with him. ”

The Rockets will be looking for their third straight victory, which would tie their season long win streak, tonight against Boston.

The Celtics (4-7) come in to Toyota Center having lost three straight. Boston coincidentally has been rumored as a possible trade suitor for Asik. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.